Now that winter is almost upon us, it’s “root vegetable” season in the Sprouts Produce Department. Things that you may have ignored all year long, like yams, beets, turnips and parsnips, are suddenly much in demand for soups, stews and savory dishes. However, the colorful fruits of fall aren’t quite done yet. In fact they can be used to make some very dramatic displays throughout the holiday season.

Fruity Flounces & Flourishes

As you gussy-up your house for the holidays, there’s no need to go to the craft store. Just head to the Sprouts Produce Department for a one-stop shop! Apples, pomegranates, citrus fruit and pears are easy alternatives to fragile glass and crystal knick-knacks, and best of all, they are eco-friendly and don’t require storage once the festivities have concluded. Simply discard in the trash, or better yet, add them to the compost heap.
Check out these simple ideas for some fresh food frills:

Apple Assignment

Apples are a quick, inexpensive way to add whimsy to your dinner table. Use your very best handwriting or print out names on small name cards. Cut a small slit in the top of the apples and insert the place card. Place a finished apple at each place setting. Alternate red and green apples for a festive color scheme. Try this technique with pears and pomegranates too.

Frosted Fruit

Choose small sturdy fruits that will last, such as small limes, lemons, tangerines, apples and pears. Generously coat each piece with egg wash and shake off the excess. Roll in white granulated sugar and let dry. Arrange the sugared fruit on a decorative cake stand dusted with more sugar for a snowy feel. Add a few pillar candles for added drama. It’s perfect as a centerpiece for your holiday buffet. Use the sugar-and-egg white technique to frost evergreen boughs and pine cones, too.

Crowning Cranberries

Fill clear glass vases of various sizes halfway full with fresh, whole cranberries and place on a mantle or table. For variety, fill clear glass cylinder vases halfway with water and add the berries. Cranberries are buoyant so they will float; add a floating candle for glowing warmth. Cranberries will last up to two weeks in water.

Cinnamon Sensation

Bundle whole cinnamon sticks and secure with a rubber band. Tie a bow using colored, decorative ribbon around the bundle and cover up the band. Leave a loop or insert an ornament hook for easy hanging.

DIY ice cream bars are a fun and easy answer to entertaining this summer. Not only do they allow friends and family to make their favorite ice cream creations, but a simple ice cream bar is sure to let you enjoy your gathering without the hassle. If you’re trying to escape the heat, host a summer barbecue, or craving a frozen dessert—look no further!

Pick Your Ice Cream

These days there are so many frozen treats to choose from. Whether you’re looking for an ice cream that’s made with organic ingredients, a non-dairy alternative made from coconut or a traditional fresh-churned vanilla, you’re sure to find an ice cream you can enjoy while shopping at Sprouts.

Choose Your Toppings

Bulk:

When it comes to toppings for your ice cream bar, the Sprouts Bulk Department just can’t be beat. We have hundreds of bins and barrels brimming with scoopable goodies. For a decadent ice cream bar, snag a bag of dark chocolate covered blueberries or milk chocolate toffee. If you want to give your guests a taste of traditional sundaes, grab a scoop of roasted peanuts or pecan pieces. See all the choices the Bulk Department has to offer.

Grocery:

Every good ice cream bar needs a few special toppings. Browse through our grocery aisles and you’ll find a few goodies you can’t leave without. Here are a few treats to help inspire your DIY ice cream bar.

Set the Table:

Now that you have the perfect treats for your ice cream bar, why not snazzy up your table? Stout mason jars can be transformed to make the perfect sundae bowls and small metal pails are ideal containers to hold ice cream bar toppings. No matter your style, and whatever flavors you favor, get creative and enjoy!

Give the gift of baking by attractively assembling all of the dry ingredients needed for cookies, breads or brownies in tall glass jars. Use pretty ribbons to tie on the recipe, along with a wooden spoon or cookie cutter for an extra special touch. Don’t forget to print out and attach the recipe cards to the jar mixes!
Here are a few tasty suggestions to get you started.

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies

Ingredients:

3 1/2 cups Coconut flour

2 tsp. Ground ginger

1 tsp. Ground cloves

1 tsp. Ground cinnamon

1 tsp. Ground allspice

1 tsp. Baking powder

1 cup Brown sugar

1 tsp. Vanilla extract

1/4 cup Solid coconut oil, melted

2 Eggs

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, melted coconut oil, brown sugar spices and vanilla. Using a rubber spatula, fold in coconut flour.

Scoop cookie batter onto prepared baking sheet using a small ice cream scoop or 2 teaspoons. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden. Cool completely before removing from the pan.

White Chocolate Cranberry Blondies

Ingredients:

3/4 cup Softened butter

1 1/2 cups Brown sugar

3 tsp. Vanilla extract

1 Egg

1 1/2 cups Flour

1 tsp. Baking powder

1/2 tsp. Salt

1 cup Dried cranberries

1 cup White chocolate morsels

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line a medium pan with parchment paper.

Soak cranberries in bowl with hot water for 3 minutes. Drain water from cranberries.

Cream butter, brown sugar, vanilla and eggs. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder and salt. Stir the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar mixture with a wooden spoon or large rubber spatula. Carefully mix in cranberries and white chocolate morsels.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, spices and baking powder. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin and water. Stir into dry ingredients until moistened. Fold in chocolate chips if desired.

Pour into a greased loaf pan. Bake at 350°F for 55–65 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing.

Peppermint Brownies

Ingredients:

1 cup Sugar

2/3 cup Cocoa powder

1 cup Sugar

1 cup Crushed peppermint sticks

1 1/4 cups Flour

1 pinch of Salt

1 cup Butter

1/4 cup Boiling water

2 tsp. Vanilla extract

Instructions:

In a separate bowl, add the cocoa powder and salt. Add the boiling water and stir with a rubber spatula until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is paste-like. Add sugar, vanilla and butter, mix using an electric mixer until smooth. Using a wooden spoon, slowly stir in the flour mixture, and mix until combined.

Spoon the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, batter consistency will be thick. Smooth top with a rubber spatula. Bake for 35 minutes or until the brownies are cooked through. Cool in the pan or a wire rack for 1 hour.

Go ahead, wear your heart on your sleeve and embrace the sentimental feelings in the air. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to share a bit of your heart with others. The best news? You don’t have to stick with the standard gifts that may come to mind. With these easy-to-make and thoughtful DIY ideas, you can brighten the day of a special someone, friend, family member or colleague.

Peppermint Infusion Hearts

What You’ll Need:

Crushed peppermint

Coffee filters

Baker’s thread

Construction paper

Hot chocolate

Directions:

Using a folded coffee filter, cut out a heart shape. After you have two heart shapes, stitch together around the edges until only a small opening remains.
Place peppermint candies in a plastic bag and crush until the pieces are broken down. Put about a spoonful of crushed peppermint inside the small opening of the coffee filter and finish stitching until it’s closed.
Attach a medium-length piece of baker’s thread to your peppermint-filled heart. Cut a small heart out of paper and add it at the other end of the thread to make a little “tag” like the ones that tea bags have. Present the gift with hot cocoa for a refreshing peppermint twist on a classic chocolatey treat.

Homemade Lotion Bars

What You’ll Need:

1 cup Beeswax

1 cup Coconut Oil

1/2 cup Shea butter

Silicon heart-shaped mold

25 drops Lavender essential oil

At least 2 hours for refrigeration

Directions:

Start by warming beeswax in a double boiler until it becomes smooth. Add coconut oil and melt the two ingredients. Stir until smooth and add lavender essential oils. Let cool and place in silicon molds and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

“Simply Nuts for You” Mason Jar“

What You’ll Need:

Directions:

Create a heart shape on the mason jar with painter’s tape. Using an open area, cover the mason jar with the chalkboard spray paint. Once it’s dry, carefully peel off the tape. Add a personalized touch by making a design with white chalk. Cut out a gift tag and create a small hole at the top. Thread twine through and loop around twice at the top of the mason jar. Pour in your special someone’s favorite trail mix.

Cookie Better Blondies

This gift is made from one of our favorite new treats! Sprouts Cookie Butter Blondies are sure to brighten someone’s day, but let’s be honest—you could give the cookie butter as a stand-alone gift as well. Delicious by the spoonful or as an addition to baked goods, it’s a perfect way to spread the yum!
View the recipe!

Say “I love you” with a tea party fit for a queen! This Mother’s Day, spend time celebrating mom and enjoying each other’s company over small bites and tasty teas! Get ready to put your pinkies up with ideas for your DIY tea party below!

Décor

Keep your party vibrant with centerpieces that flourish! Simply assemble your mom’s favorite flowers in a mason jar and set out to display. A jar of colorful flowers is sure to capture the feeling of spring and make Mom feel special.

Small Bites

A tea party needs a few tasty treats to aid in its charm. Delight Mom with finger foods like fresh fruits and cheese alongside a few baked goods to satisfy a sweet tooth.
Don’t forget to spread your baked goods with toppings like jams, jellies and more. Get creative and be inspired by traditional, fancier tea parties—known as “High Tea”—and serve delicacies like lemon curd to accent sweeter snacks.

Add a Bit of VarieTea!

Set the tone for a fun celebration with a new take on the classic hot teas typically served at this kind of gathering. Serving both hot and cold tea is a simple way to add personality and still get a tea fix! No matter how the temperature preferences vary at your table, you’ll be ready with plenty of options.
Add-ins like honey, sugar and milk are perfect for complimenting your selection of drinks as well.

With work, chores, errands and the daily grind, sometimes life can be a bit frenzied. Aromatherapy is an excellent way to help soothe, calm and reinvigorate both mind and body. Just 2-3 scoops of these relaxing lavender bath salts are sure to help you recoup from a hectic day.

Ingredients:

1/2-1 cup Kosher salt

1/2 cup Baking soda

2 sprigs Fresh rosemary, minced

10 drops Lavender essential oil

Directions:

In a medium mixing bowl, blend together kosher salt, baking soda, minced rosemary and lavender oils. Blend well and store in an airtight container.

Crunchy chips, spicy salsa and all of those glorious fresh fixin’s—it’s no wonder why nachos have become a game day staple! We’ve got just the thing to make your next gathering “nacho average” game day get-together. This fun, crowd-pleasing DIY nacho bar is the perfect solution to satisfy your hungry guests.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

The Crunch

You can’t go wrong with the classic tortilla chips, but why not mix it up a bit? Scoop up even more of those tasty toppings you crave with Sprouts Corn Dippers.

The Spice

Variety is the spice of life! Set up a mini salsa station using a variety of Sprouts salsas. From spicy ghost pepper to sweet corn, no matter your guests’ taste, you’ll have flavorful options everyone will enjoy. Better yet, keep the salsa in the jars so guests know which salsas they’ll be spooning over their chips as well as for a fuss-free clean up.

The Protein

Bring on the beans! Sprouts Organic Spicy Bean Dip offers a smooth texture as well as a great source of protein. This can also be displayed in the jar simply with a spoon.

The Queso

Some like it hot and some like it mild. Offering different types of queso for drizzling allows guests to customize their nachos just the way they like it.

The Fresh Toppings

Keep it fresh with unique nacho toppings like radishes and jicama but don’t forget the classics like fresh cilantro, spicy peppers and diced tomatoes.

This Mother’s Day, thank Mom for all she does. Whether she plans to spend the day relaxing or staying active, treating her to a homemade gift is a perfect way to show her how much you care. You’ll love having a chance to personalize just as much as she’ll love receiving a gift that’s heartfelt and thoughtful.
Find ideas below for celebrating Mom with gifts that have an extra special touch just from you.

Coconut Orange Body Scrub

What You’ll Need:

Directions:

Mix coconut oil, Epsom salts and essential oils together. Use as a body scrub, hand scrub or foot scrub. The coconut oil may leave your tub a little slippery so be careful if you use this in the shower. Be sure to store in an air-tight container to preserve freshness.

How to Use:

Use as a body scrub, hand scrub or foot scrub.

Tip:

Make sure to be careful if you use this in the shower! The coconut oil may leave your tub a little slippery.

Lavender Lotion Bars

What You’ll Need:

Directions:

Start by warming beeswax in a double boiler until it becomes smooth. Add coconut oil and melt the two ingredients. Stir until smooth and add lavender essential oils. Let cool and place in silicon molds and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

DIY Mason Jar Vases

What You’ll Need:

Directions:

Paint the outside of each mason jar with chalk paint and let dry for one hour before applying another coat. After the jars have completely dried, use sand paper to take the paint off the raised, designed areas of the jar. Rub white chalk over jar to create a distressed look. Seal jars by spraying thoroughly with clear acrylic spray and let dry for at least 2 hours. Once dry, add your mom’s favorite fresh flowers.

Peppermint Vanilla Bath Fizzies

What You’ll Need

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine citric acid crystals, baking soda and corn starch. Add almond oil and essential oil drops. Mix ingredients thoroughly with a spoon or by hand until the consistency is that of damp dough. Press dough firmly into desired shape using ice cube trays or a muffin pan. Let set overnight for approximately 12 hours before removing from ice cube trays or pan.

Lemon and Rosemary Bath Salt

What You’ll Need:

Directions:

For this project you’ll need a small mixing bowl to combine the ingredients. Simply mix all the ingredients and pour into a mason jar. Want to get the kids involved? Have them help mix the ingredients and decorate by spelling out MOM on the jar. The bath salt should last six months but the metal on the mason jars may begin to rust.

Rose and Lavender Body Scrub

What You’ll Need:

Directions:

Pour coconut oil into a mason jar. Add a layer of rose petals into jar evenly. Add sweet almond oil and lavender essential oil on top of rose petals. Begin mixing the Epsom salt into mixture until salt has fully saturated with the oils. Seal and wrap for Mother’s Day!

Directions:

Measure out the Epsom salt and pour into your bowl. If you’ve chosen coconut oil as your moisturizing oil, keep in mind that you may need to (gently) warm it in order for it to mix well with the salt. It’s generally at least semi-solid at room temperature. Add your essential oil, and stir to blend. Once you’ve reached a fair homogenous consistency, your salt scrub is ready for packaging!
For ease, you can choose small reusable containers like my sister did at Christmas. (This choice makes it a much safer option for keeping on a shelf in the shower since there’s no possibility of shattered glass in the tub.) If you want to dress it up a little, you can use a small Ball jar (like mine picture above) instead. Cover with cloth and a ribbon, print off a fancy label, and you’ve got a sweet gift for any mom in your life!

Lemonade stands headed by young entrepreneurs have shown time and time again that if you have a pitcher of lemonade, you have countless new friends. The drink that is notorious for drawing in others is also a wonderful addition to social gatherings.
A DIY lemonade station gives homage to the easy days of youth while exciting guests with add-ins like fruit and herbs. The key ingredient remains the same but the possibilities of flavor combinations are endless.
Shop Sprouts Sparkling Lemonade that comes ready in re-sealable glass bottles and flavors that appeal to all. Plus, we have a few ideas to help get you started!

Sprouts Sparkling Lemonade Parings

Lemon Flavor: Pairs well with blackberries and thyme
Pink Flavor: Pairs well with slices of lime and cucumber
Orange Flavor: Pairs well with mint leaves and orange slices to garnish
Tangerine Lime Flavor: Pairs well with lavender and lime slices to garnish

Setting up your Station

Now that you have some ideas, you can prepare a station that gives everyone’s creative genius a chance to play. Here are the supplies that give the piece its final touch. Cheers!